Slim: - The Show must go on!

Bill Homans (61) aka Watermelon Slim has really lived the life he sings about "I'm too poor to Pay attention, I'm too hungry to Eat, too sick to see my doctor, and I'm too tired two sleep". The last two things, he experienced on his mini-tour in Norway recently. After concerts in Stavanger and Sandnes he arrived at Lillestrøm with a swollen foot and in rather poor condition.
Slim performed at Lillestrøm thanks to Goran Stensrud in Skedsmo Bluesklubb who immediately took action. A visit to the doctor showed that an insect bite had caused a blood poisoning. Like many other musicians, Slim has a passion for fishing. He believes that he got the bite at home in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
- You know, I like to go out into the water when I fish, he told Blue News. - Something bit me during a fishing trip with my daughter, and I visited a doctor at home in the United States and received antibiotics before I went to Europe, he says and continues: - Thanks to Goran and fantastic help from medical professionals here, it looks like everything will turn out well. But the doctor said I need to use support stockings for life, and I was not allowed to fly for five days.

Slim took the whole episode with an optimistic smile, although at one point there was a risk for cancellation of the concert at Herr Nilsen i Oslo. Slim admits that he has been in stormy weather earlier, and says to Blue News: - I have long thought that perhaps I should take a break from the touring and take it easy for a while. This might be a sign for what I'm doing now.

The last years Watermelon Slim & The Workers has been touring a lot. Also here in Norway. Skedsmo Blues Club has hosted them several times the recent years, Slim has even named the band a house band for the club. Slim was very grateful for all the help he received with the health problems during his stay in Norway, he told from the stage during his concert at Herr Nilsen.

Unfortunately it looks like it may be a while until we will see Watermelon Slim & The Workers on this side of the pond again. Slim hinted about a retirement, but still his last words to Blues News was: - The show must go on.